Millie Lackey pursued a degree in fine art with a specialization in sculpture during her time at university. Graduating in 2020, she found herself increasingly disillusioned with the idea of pursuing a career as an artist. Millie made the firm decision to distance herself from the art world and leave behind her aspirations in that field. However, one aspect she couldn't let go of was her sketchbook. It served as a personal outlet for documenting, journaling, and processing her thoughts and experiences. Although she didn't consider it art in her rigid definition of the term, Millie continued to create within its pages. Sharing her sketchbooks with friends and acquaintances garnered positive feedback and requests for commissions. Encouraged by their reactions, Millie created an Instagram page dedicated to showcasing her work.
Over time, Millie began to question her refusal to label her creations as art. She realized the inconsistency in her thinking and the arbitrary boundaries she had imposed on herself. The idea that art had to be challenging, inaccessible, and evoke intense emotions seemed limiting and narrow-minded. Millie saw the value in her sketchbooks and their ability to bring joy to others.
However, she still grappled with conflicting desires regarding her art. At times, Millie contemplated monetizing her talent through commissions and selling prints. The idea of sharing her art with a wider audience and potentially supporting herself financially had its appeal. On the other hand, there were moments when Millie wanted to keep her art private, reserving it solely for her own enjoyment. She feared that exposing it to the public eye might dilute its personal significance.
As Millie Lackey traversed her artistic journey, she found herself at a crossroads. The dichotomy between her sketchbooks and traditional art crumbled as she questioned her own definitions and beliefs. She recognized the inherent value of her creations and their potential to bridge the gap between personal expression and public appreciation. Yet, the conflict within her persisted, leaving Millie unsure of which path to choose for her art.
Tips to fellow Artists:
A piece of advice that I would give to any other artist is to pay attention to what feels good, and keep in mind that art doesn’t need to be good, or profitable, or deep in order for it to be worth making.
Connect with Millie
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